The Work of Childhood

Play is hard work – so says a report from a very prestigious medical group. Janet Parshall explains more in this week’s commentary.

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Episode Transcript

S1 (00:02):
Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers Neighborhood once said, play is
often talked about as if it were a relief from
serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play
is really the work of childhood. A new report from
the American Academy of Pediatrics resoundingly confirms what he believed.

S2 (00:18):
Here to unpack present day issues from a biblical perspective
is Janet Parshall.

S1 (00:24):
The AAP has just published a report stressing the importance
of play in child development, and urging parents to play
with their children every day. Doctor Kathy Hirsh-pasek, a professor
in the psychology department at Temple University and one of
the report's lead authors, said I think we're continuously learning
that play is really essential for kids. It's not just
an afterthought or an accessory. The report went so far

(00:46):
as to suggest that pediatricians should offer a prescription for
play to new parents, advising moms and dads to make
time for playtime and suggesting schools do the same. Doctor
Michael Yagman, a Harvard Medical School pediatrician who led the
drafting of the report, stated. This may seem old fashioned,
but there are skills to be learned when kids aren't
told what to do, whether it's rough and tumble, physical play,

(01:07):
outdoor play, or social or pretend play. Kids derive important
lessons from the chance to make things up as they go.
The report declared, play is not frivolous. It nurtures children's ingenuity,
cooperation and problem solving skills, all of which are critical
for a 21st century workforce. It lays the neutral groundwork
that helps us pursue goals and ignore distractions. The report

(01:27):
went on to say collaboration, negotiation, conflict resolution, self-advocacy, decision making,
a sense of agency, creativity, leadership and increased physical activity
are just some of the skills and benefits children gain
through play. The authors of the report note that science
suggests play also leads to brain changes at the molecular
and cellular levels. Doctor Yagman also said play is really

(01:49):
brain building, and we tried to give examples of how
play enhances the structure and function of the brain. Don't
worry about running to the store to buy a toy
chest full of new things, the report says. The stuff
you've already got around the house wooden spoons, blocks, balls, puzzles,
crayons and cardboard boxes is enough to enhance playtime. I
always love it when science affirms truths that are self-evident.

(02:09):
The great Scottish poet Robert Louis Stevenson wrote a poem
called The Good Play. He penned these words we built
a ship upon the stairs, all made of the back
bedroom chairs, and filled it full of sofa pillows to
go a sailing on the billows. We took a saw
and several nails and water in the nursery pails. And
Tom said, let us also take an apple and a
slice of cake, which was enough for Tom and me

(02:30):
to go sailing on till tea. You don't need the
ARP to tell you to play with your child. Your
heart should already be telling you that. So turn off
your devices, get on the floor with your child and
have a great time. You're building more than their brains.
You're creating eternal bonds. That's my opinion. I'm Janet Parshall.

S2 (02:47):
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In the market with Janet Parshall.